The White Stripes have split up

They say it is for a "myriad of reasons, but mostly to preserve what is beautiful and special about the band and have it stay that way." Artistic differences and health problems are denied. The outfit, a divorced couple who pretended they were brother and sister, were a defining sounds of the Noughties and one of the truly great bands of the garage rock revival. Without the couple's bluesy punk, always punctuated by Meg's drum beat and Jack's sexy snarl, lots of exceptional music wouldn't exist – The Dead Weather, The Raconteurs, and others influenced by their sound. Let's hope Jack White's musical projects continue.